I had a 1990 nissan maxima that use to do that and the problem was my rack and pinion bushings were bad
you probably need a new alternator
A bad exhaust will cause gas fumes to get inside the Nissan Maxima while it is idling. Gas fumes, if contained in an enclosed space, is dangerous.
blown motor
Sound like either your timing is off or you need a new motor mount
Check battery cables/connections.
Your throttle valve switch (position sensor) is bad and need to be replaced.....this is located on the side of the throttle chamber. You can get this from Advance Auto for $60 and is easy to replace...
The maxima is a 3.0L while the altima is only a 2.4L. While the maxima only has 5-10 more horsepower, its extra cubic inches goes more twords torque. I would say maxima hands down. I personally have a 92 maxima, and it is not at all slow.
from me constantly raping your cars exhaust while you sleep.
Hi my Nissan maxima 1997 is having some problems like idle is very low when the engine is warm! then while driving it was ok but when you stop at the intersection or traffic lights the "IDLE drops down again and it wiil go dead when you try to restart sometimes it won't start and u "hear the "SQUEAKING NOISE! tell what do you think the problem was?
A faulty camshaft can cause your 1991 Nissan Maxima to idle erratically. A diagnostic test could verify the cause of the improper idling speed.
Hope this link helps: http://www.trustmymechanic.com/auto-repair/22/1994-nissan-altima-engine-dies-while-driving-but-restarts-ok.html